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How to Be Successful Without Really Trying

Still, you can’t help but notice when you have this sort of job — doling out career or work “advice” — that when it comes to “answers” or “solutions,” nobody really knows. Sure, you can look around here or elsewhere and find out how you should act in interviews, how to get the job of your dreams, how to become a billionaire. But does anyone know? I don’t think so.

For example, I was sitting here, at my laptop on the kitchen counter, when I picked up yet another I-won’t-say-what-it-is-but-you-know-it national brand for my burgeoning career as a Facebook Whisperer.

I didn’t do anything. It was like it fell out of the sky.

Or, maybe it’s that I was on LinkedIn. Or maybe it’s that I got good at networking fast after I got downsized. (And, boy, does that seem like 100 years ago now.) Or maybe it’s because before I got up I hoped that it would be a great day.

TIP #3: Act like a child.

Or maybe it’s that when you start doing things that are really easy for you to do, you become successful. For example, my grandfather used to say, when I was a kid, that I should write Hallmark cards. In broader terms, he was talking about being a copywriter. And I make far, far more money now as a copywriter than I do at any other job I have as a professional hustler.

You know why? Because it’s really easy for me to be a really good copywriter. It’s so easy, it’s laughable. At the same time, writing blog posts, finishing novels, and generating traffic for sites populated with content I did not create is harder.

I read some advice recently that said you should remember whatever you did when you were a kid, and do that when you’re a grownup. Because, more often than not, that thing, for you, is play. And play is when you have the most fun.

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While I don’t agree with your point about going for the lowest common denominator, I do think you hit on some really interesting things here. I don’t think people value simplicity, clarity and ease as much as they should–often these are the things that make something successful, because people are more able to understand and relate to them. I also agree that doing something you’re good at and remembering to play and have fun with your work are keys to success.

Really enjoyed this piece Susannah! I know so many people who struggle with the questions: What should I be doing with life? What am I talented at? Where do I want to be in 5 years? And the inspiration is right here in your piece: go with something you find easy in a sense that the skills come naturally to you. The thing you’re meant to do is the thing you’re better at than most other people on the playground. Easy as that. Thanks for writing.

I really like this post. I like it b/c when I look at the span of my life, I have made more money, and lived a more quality life doing what I am good at, and whats easy. However, I think as humans — we think that in its self is too easy.

I would also add, pace yourself — if you decide to do what you love. The money will build up, you just need to pace it, and look at the big picture. Well, at least that’s what I am doing and its been a hard ass ride from there to where I am right now.